Month: March 2023

It’s hard to talk about the Scottish highlands without mentioning their world-famous areas of natural beauty. Guests of our Highland Apartments are within hiking distance of illustrious lakes, mystical mountains and more buttes than you can blow a bagpipe at – here are a few spots to prioritise during your stay.

Loch Ness

Scotland’s most famous freshwater lake has yet to yield any long-necked monsters, but it can be considered monstrous in itself, with over 23 miles of water and depths of up to 650 feet. We recommend guests at our Highland Apartments take a boat tour (and bring a harpoon, just in case).

Glen Affric

There are forests, and then there are forests. Glen Affric (a caledonian reserve near to Cannich) is just a 40-minute drive (or 1h 15 min bus ride) from our Highlands Apartments and may well redefine your understanding of the word, with over 30 miles of pinewoods, moorlands, mountains and wildlife (including golden eagles).

Isle of Skye

Strictly more of an isle than an ‘area’, a visit to this collection of archipelagos is likely to beat out any other spectacle this side of the equator. Travel by boat or shared transport across the coastline of peninsulas, lochs and mountains to the town of Portree, where a hub of harbourside pubs and boutiques awaits you.

The Inverness sustainable tourism strategy is centred on providing visitors to the city with the tools and information to make sustainable choices that allow for enjoyment and free spending, without preventable harm to the environment. This approach is apparent in the variety of transport options, cycle paths and, more recently, a carbon-neutral business improvement district (the first in the UK).

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When you look at the local scenery, it’s no surprise that the city of Inverness has developed such a keen appetite for outdoor activities and free form exercise. During your stay, you can combine your cardio routine with stunning lakeside vistas or swap the peloton for a road bike and set off down a mountain path.

Inverness City Centre Walking Tour

Before venturing out of the city limits, try your hand (or foot) at a walking tour – this is a great way to familiarise yourself with the area, its history and get your steps in before settling on a dinner option.

Inverness Botanic Gardens

Open seven days a week and free of charge, the Inverness Botanic Garden is a cornucopia of tropical plants, ponds, succulents and vibrant flowers. Better yet, the garden is cared for and nurtured by the GROW project – an initiative designed to help individuals with learning disabilities to develop life skills, gain work experience and find greater independence. With hours of walk paths, you’re sure to work up a sweat during your visit.

Inverness Bike Hire

If you want total freedom to explore the surrounding region of Inverness, why not look into a local bike hire? The official Inverness Bike Hire service is affiliated with VisitScotland and provides the most flexible, environmentally-sound way to explore the highlands.

The Inverness sustainable tourism strategy is centred on providing visitors to the city with the tools and information to make sustainable choices that allow for enjoyment and free spending, without preventable harm to the environment. This approach is apparent in the variety of transport options, cycle paths and, more recently, a carbon-neutral business improvement district (the first in the UK).

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Considering its proximity to so many areas of natural beauty, it’s no wonder that sustainability is taken so seriously by the Inverness hospitality sector. Whether you’re hungry, thirsty or in need of a pick-me-up, indulge your tastes without having to worry about carbon impact.

Inverness Coffee Roasting Co.
15 Chapel St, Inverness IV1 1NA

As the city’s foremost baristas, Inverness Coffee Roasting Co aim to promote recycling, minimise waste, source environmentally-sound products and avoid plastics, all whilst brewing world-class coffee. If you want to start your day guilt-free and ground to perfection, you know where to start.

Café Artysans
7 Strothers Ln, Inverness IV1 1LR

Café Artysans puts ethical catering first by sourcing their ingredients from local, sustainable outlets and supporting their young employees to independence. Better still, the café is located just a 7-minute walk from our Highland Apartments.

The Victorian Market
Academy Street, Inverness IV1 1JN

Inverness has developed a reputation as something of a foodie hotspot, and this is largely thanks to initiatives like The Victorian Market, now a fully-developed food hall. Take an afternoon to peruse the selection of sumptuous cakes, pastries and locally-run gift shops – all tastes catered for.

The Inverness sustainable tourism strategy is centred on providing visitors to the city with the tools and information to make sustainable choices that allow for enjoyment and free spending, without preventable harm to the environment. This approach is apparent in the variety of transport options, cycle paths and, more recently, a carbon-neutral business improvement district (the first in the UK).

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In line with the Scottish capital’s wider sustainability efforts, guests will find plenty of delicious, inventive and earth-friendly dining options within the city limits, offering a range of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals.

Hendersons
7-13 Barclay Pl, Edinburgh EH10 4HW

Boasting a heritage of vegan and vegetarian cuisine that dates back to 1962, Hendersons features an upmarket, all-day menu built from the ground up (literally) with fresh, organic, local and sustainable produce. You’ll find few better options for a pumpkin ravioli or world-class wild salad plate.

Café Modern One and Paolozzi’s Kitchen
75 Belford Rd, Edinburgh EH4 3DR

If you happen to be paying a visit to the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, why not stop for a bite at one of their ethical eateries, Café Modern One or Paolozzi’s Kitchen? You know they source their ingredients locally because the garden patch (featuring seasonal harvests of apples, plums, pears, berries, rhubarb, asparagus and more) is in view of your dining table.

When it comes to sustainability, Edinburgh is comfortably placed amongst the UK’s most advanced cities, due to its pristine air quality, low environmental exposure and emphasis on outdoor parks (almost half of its land mass is comprised of green space). For guests of ByMansley, this presents an opportunity to tie up the laces, hit the trail and enjoy glorious city views without pollution.

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For the avid hiker, Edinburgh and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of walking wonders, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging treks. Whether you’re looking to stretch your legs or test your mettle, you’re sure to find a trail worth treading.

Arthur’s Seat: Located on the summit of an extinct volcano, the iconic hike to Arthur’s Seat is suitable for all ages and skill levels, and rewards successful climbers with unbeatable, panoramic views of the city, and the coast beyond.

Suitable: Beginners to intermediate.
Distance: 3.9km

Pentland Hills Regional Park: Just a 45-minute drive (or eco-friendly bus ride) from our Knight Residence apartments, Pentland Hills Regional Park offers a climber’s playground with 10,000 hectares of scalable terrain. Check out the Harlaw woodland walk, Great glen mystery hike or Capital view hike.

Suitable: Beginners to intermediate.
Distance: 3.5-4.5km

Seven Summits of Edinburgh: The infamous seven summits (or seven hills) route is built to test hikers of any experience level. There’s no better way to get a scope of the city and its surrounding region, just make sure to clear any other plans for the day – this is a 6+-hour expedition.

Suitable: Intermediate to experienced.
Distance: 27km

When it comes to sustainability, Edinburgh is comfortably placed amongst the UK’s most advanced cities, due to its pristine air quality, low environmental exposure and emphasis on outdoor parks (almost half of its land mass is comprised of green space). For guests of ByMansley, this presents an opportunity to tie up the laces, hit the trail and enjoy glorious city views without pollution.

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With more Green Flag spaces than any other UK city and a unique blend of historical architecture, picturesque landscapes and cultural landmarks, Edinburgh is a park-lover’s paradise. Why not pick up a book, pick out a location and unwind in a patch of shade?

• The Meadows (14.5 hectares) – 5-minute walk
• Princes Street Gardens (8.5 hectares) – 9-minute walk
• Royal Botanic Garden (28hectares) – 30-minute walk

When it comes to sustainability, Edinburgh is comfortably placed amongst the UK’s most advanced cities, due to its pristine air quality, low environmental exposure and emphasis on outdoor parks (almost half of its land mass is comprised of green space). For guests of ByMansley, this presents an opportunity to tie up the laces, hit the trail and enjoy glorious city views without pollution.

Learn more

Guests staying in Cheltenham during February may want to stop by its yearly climate-based event, ‘From the Ground Up: Festival of Sustainability’. This one-day celebration features art competitions, ‘recycled fashion’ shows, keynote speakers, charity activities or green business networking opportunities.

Venue: St Philip & St James’ Church, Leckhampton

Date: Mid-February (annually)

Dress code: Casual

Since 2021, the Cheltenham Borough Council has been committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by forming a cross-sector collaborative partnership with private companies, charities and volunteer groups across the region. Eco-minded guests at our Strozzi Palace suites can help support the community by eating at one of the many green restaurants, attending a sustainability festival or enjoying a spot of planet-friendly retail therapy.

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Shopping in Cheltenham doesn’t have to harm the planet. You’ll find plenty of outlets and local businesses that put the environment front and centre, without compromising on quality – here are a few to consider.

Food Loose and Plastic Free

For a completely novel shopping experience, take a trip to FoodLoose in Cheltenham town centre – a refill shop run by volunteers that allows you to refill containers with a variety of dry foods, household cleaners and beauty products. It’s a cheaper, convenient and more eco-friendly way to shop for your daily requirements.

Eco-Able

Dani Seatter’s award-winning startup occupies a valuable place in the Cheltenham community. They specialise in vetting, reviewing and, hopefully, selling a range of eco-friendly products – from homeware to skincare.

Since 2021, the Cheltenham Borough Council has been committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by forming a cross-sector collaborative partnership with private companies, charities and volunteer groups across the region. Eco-minded guests at our Strozzi Palace suites can help support the community by eating at one of the many green restaurants, attending a sustainability festival or enjoying a spot of planet-friendly retail therapy.

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Hungry vegans and conscientious eaters will enjoy an abundance of plant-based dining options in Cheltenham town centre, provided by the sustainably-minded local community. Options include cafés, pubs and internationally inspired restaurants that will have even the most committed carnivores swapping veal for vegetables.

The Mahal
Montpellier Dr, Cheltenham GL50 1TY

Amongst Cheltenham’s most celebrated restaurants, The Mahal is a subcontinent dining experience featuring a 7-course tasting menu, á la carte & lunch menus and, most importantly, a sumptuous array of planet-friendly, vegan alternatives.

288 Bar & Wok
288 High St, Cheltenham GL50 3HQ

For fuss-free, vegan-friendly Asian cuisine, look no further than Bar & Wok on Cheltenham’s lower high street. Their meat-free menu showcases sharing platters, noodle bowls and ‘big plates’ with a tantalising combination of fried tofu with any sauce of your choice.

Suffolk Rock
8 Suffolk Parade, Cheltenham GL50 2AB

Based in the heart of Cheltenham and independently run, Suffolk Rock remains true to its name and stands firmly, immovably, even, by its organic, local-loyalty principles. Their specialty is British cuisine, so expect heart roasts and country staples.

Since 2021, the Cheltenham Borough Council has been committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by forming a cross-sector collaborative partnership with private companies, charities and volunteer groups across the region. Eco-minded guests at our Strozzi Palace suites can help support the community by eating at one of the many green restaurants, attending a sustainability festival or enjoying a spot of planet-friendly retail therapy.

Rising to the challenge of reducing food-based emissions, London’s new assembly of eco restaurants are protecting the planet with a focus on sustainable recipes, carbon reduced supply chains, zero plastic and more – here are a few nearby options for you to plan dinner around.

Spring, London
Somerset House, Lancaster Place, WC2R 1LA

Spring restaurant, based out of centrally located Somerset House, boasts an ever-changing menu that makes use of seasonal, locally sourced produce. They were also the first ever single-use plastic free restaurant in London.

La Goccia
1 Floral Court, WC2E 9FB

La Goccia are specialists in Italian aperitivo with a focus on sustainable produce – their poultry, livestock, eggs, vegetables and fruit actually come directly from the organic, high-welfare Haye Farm, in Devon. They also source their line-caught fish directly from Cornish fishermen, rather than corporate trawlers.

Native At Browns
39 Brook Street, London, W1k 4JE

Native are not only an award-winning purveyor of British cuisine, they also feature an adaptable ‘wild food’ menu that focuses on key seasonal ingredients, ethically sourced meat and ‘foraged cocktails’. Proof that, if you want to go green, you have to get grubby.

Is it possible to practise sustainability in a city of over 9 million? According to the mayor’s ‘1.5-degree compatible plan’, the answer is ‘yes’ – with a heavy focus on eco building, public parks and zero-emissions mass public transportation. 

London is going green, and guests of ByMansley, in both the Mayfair or Kensington properties, will find no shortage of natural spaces, sustainable travel options or eco-minded restaurants to help them reduce carbon footprint and stay healthy in the process.

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London is a cycling city and, by 2041, it is expected that 70% of Londoners will live within 400 metres of a high-quality, safe cycle route. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, why not try hiring a Santander Cycle? They’re cheaper than motorised options and cycling is often just as expedient.

How to hire a Santander Cycle:

• Approach a docking station terminal
• Choose ‘Hire a cycle’ using the on-screen instructions
• Pay using your debit or credit card (other contactless devices will not work)
• Collect your printed receipt and type your release code into the docking point’s keypad, then pull the bike out once the green light has appeared
• Adjust the dimensions of the bike to your preferences
• Ride away!
• After riding, find an empty docking point and push the bike firmly into place, until a green light has appeared
• If the docking station is full, choose ‘No docking point free’ at the terminal and follow the on-screen directions for another 15-minutes. You can then look for an alternative.

Remember, you should aim to research safe bike paths before beginning your journey. You’ll find plenty of routes within the central London area that can help you avoid major areas of traffic.

Is it possible to practise sustainability in a city of over 9 million? According to the mayor’s ‘1.5-degree compatible plan’, the answer is ‘yes’ – with a heavy focus on eco building, public parks and zero-emissions mass public transportation. 

London is going green, and guests of ByMansley, in both the Mayfair or Kensington properties, will find no shortage of natural spaces, sustainable travel options or eco-minded restaurants to help them reduce carbon footprint and stay healthy in the process.

Learn more

Around a third of the Greater London area is covered by vegetation, with up to 436 hectares of tree canopy cover. If you know where to look, you’ll find plenty of green spaces to unwind in – here are a few located near our properties:

Mayfair properties

• Green Park (19 hectares) – 3-minute walk
• Hyde Park (142 hectares) – 4-minute walk
• Grosvenor Square (2.5 hectares) – 11-minute walk

Kensington property

• Bramham Gardens (0.6 hectares) – 1-minute walk
• Holland Park (21 hectares) – 16-minute walk

Is it possible to practise sustainability in a city of over 9 million? According to the mayor’s ‘1.5-degree compatible plan’, the answer is ‘yes’ – with a heavy focus on eco building, public parks and zero-emissions mass public transportation. 

London is going green, and guests of ByMansley, in both the Mayfair or Kensington properties, will find no shortage of natural spaces, sustainable travel options or eco-minded restaurants to help them reduce carbon footprint and stay healthy in the process.

Learn more